European Muslims Welcome Ramadan With 1st Tarawih Prayers

BRUSSELS, Feb 19 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Muslims across several European countries marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan by performing the first Tarawih prayers on Wednesday evening, filling mosques and maintaining longstanding traditions, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

In Sweden, worshippers gathered at mosques nationwide for the special nightly prayers that follow the obligatory Isha prayer during the month.

At the Fittja Ulu Mosque in Stockholm, Muslims performed the first Tarawih prayer and offered supplications for peace and stability in conflict-affected regions and across the world.

In Austria, Muslims in the capital, Vienna, also filled mosques to perform the first Tarawih prayer.

At the ATIB Central Mosque, affiliated with the Turkish-Islamic Union for Cultural and Social Cooperation in Austria (ATIB), a sermon highlighted the spiritual significance of Ramadan.

Worshippers of all ages stood shoulder to shoulder for the prayers, later offering supplications to mark the first night of the holy month.

Meanwhile, in Western Thrace, Ramadan was welcomed with a centuries-old drumming tradition.

In the village of Sahin near Xanthi, children dressed in traditional Ottoman-era attire walked through the streets beating drums to announce the arrival of Ramadan, creating a festive atmosphere.

Prayers were held at the village mosque, with the hope that Ramadan brings peace and prosperity to the Islamic world and the Muslim Turkish minority of Western Thrace.

In North Macedonia's capital, Skopje, thousands gathered at the Skopje Mosque, which opened its doors for the first Tarawih prayer, as worshippers filled the mosque despite cold weather and formed rows outside.

In Albania's capital, Tirana, Muslims performed the first Tarawih prayer at the Namazgah Mosque, the largest mosque in the Balkans, while other mosques across the country also saw strong attendance.

In Kosovo, congregations gathered at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque in Pristina and the Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren.

Muslims in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, met at the Banya Bashi Mosque, the city's only mosque, while in the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, worshippers filled mosques across the city, especially the historic Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

In Serbia, Tarawih prayers were held at Belgrade's Bayrakli Mosque, as well as in mosques throughout the Bosniak-majority Sandzak region.

Muslims in Montenegro and Croatia likewise filled mosques to mark the first night of Ramadan, highlighting the shared spiritual atmosphere across the region as the holy month began.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU